Matthew 5?

[bendicco]

Hello, I am new to these boards. I have a question about what Jesus has said in Matthew 5, verse 17, I have not come to abolish the Law, but to fulfill it. In the NIV the commentary on this verse is that Jesus made the Law complete. If this is so, than why do we not follow the biblical commandments?Thank you.

 

[PioMagnus]

Welcome to the Board. I hope that we can answer your questions.

Matthew 5 tells us that Jesus came to complete the law. If you read down to the end of the chapter and you will see Jesus citing “old laws” and then his fulfillment of them.

For example: "You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth.’ But now I tell you: do not take revenge on someone who wrongs you. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, let him slap your left cheek too. (mat. 5:38-39)

So as the old laws would have us pluck the eye out of the one who plucked ours out, the new law (Jesus’ fulfillment or completion) would have us NOT take revenge.

If you are reffering to the 10 Commandments—we are still to follow them.

If I misunderstood you, please post again.

 

[jeffreedy789]

right. simply put, we do. if you mean old testament sacrifices, they are completed in the sacrifice on the cross. but before we go putting questions in your mouth, why don’t you tell us what you’re asking?

 

[bendicco]

jeffreedy789:

right. simply put, we do. if you mean old testament sacrifices, they are completed in the sacrifice on the cross. but before we go putting questions in your mouth, why don’t you tell us what you’re asking?

Thanks for your answer. Yes, I understand that the sacrificial system was fulfilled by Jesus on the cross, but what about the dietary laws? You know, the OT prohibitions against any animal which doesn’t have split hoofs and chew it’s cud, any bottom feeders like shellfish. When Jesus says not to change any of these laws even one iota, what does this mean?
Thanks so much!!

 

[mlchance]

bendicco:

You know, the OT prohibitions against any animal which doesn’t have split hoofs and chew it’s cud, any bottom feeders like shellfish. When Jesus says not to change any of these laws even one iota, what does this mean?

Dietary regulations were never binding on anyone other than the Jews. Jesus Christ didn’t change that.

– Mark L. Chance.

 

[bendicco]

Wait, wasn’t Jesus talking to the Jews in Matthew?

 

[MariaG]

In Acts Chapter 11 (actually Acts 10:9 is where the vision first starts), Peter relays his vision from God telling him nothing is unclean anymore. It went hand and hand with a vision to a centurion, a gentile. This is when the Church understood that the gospel of Christ was for all men Jew and Gentile. (This is also the same time of Paul being struck blind.)

In Mt 16:18 - 20 Christ established that Peter was given the keys, (made 1st Pope) and well as giving the Church the authority to make rules (bind and loose). So in Acts, God showed Peter that the dietary laws needed to be loosed.

I always thought it was not that the rules did not apply anymore, but that the Church, handed down by Peter, was given the authority to change the rules. And the church did. Although nothing is unclean, the church tells us not to eat meat on Fridays of Lent. A new rule the Church has been authorized to make.

That is my understanding. Please correct me if I am wrong.
God Bless,
Maria